California Science Center Completes Construction of Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center

New exhibit space will showcase authentic aircraft and spacecraft, including a vertical display of the Space Shuttle Endeavour.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:06pm

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A bold, abstract painting featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals in earthy tones, conceptually representing the complex engineering and physical forces involved in vertically displaying an authentic space shuttle system.The dramatic vertical display of the Space Shuttle Endeavour will be the centerpiece of the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, inspiring visitors with the technical marvels of space exploration.Los Angeles Today

After four years of construction, the California Science Center has completed the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. The center will feature over 100 aerospace artifacts and 100 new interactive exhibits, and will be the only place in the world to display an authentic space shuttle system in a vertical, ready-to-launch configuration.

Why it matters

The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center represents a major expansion of the California Science Center's mission to inspire science learning and curiosity. The vertical display of the Space Shuttle Endeavour will be a unique and awe-inspiring experience for visitors, showcasing humanity's achievements in space exploration.

The details

The new 4-year construction project has resulted in expanded exhibit spaces and the permanent home for the Space Shuttle Endeavour. While an opening date has not yet been announced, the center says final preparations are underway to move and stack the shuttle components in a 20-story vertical display. In addition to the Endeavour exhibit, the center will feature over 100 other aerospace artifacts integrated with 100 new hands-on interactive exhibits.

  • Construction on the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center began in 2022.
  • Construction was completed in April 2026.
  • The process of moving and stacking the Space Shuttle Endeavour in its vertical display, known as 'Go for Stack', took 6 months and was completed in January 2024.

The players

California Science Center

A science museum and educational institution located in Los Angeles, California that aims to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning.

Space Shuttle Endeavour

One of the five space-rated orbiters of the Space Shuttle program operated by NASA, which will be displayed in a vertical, ready-to-launch configuration at the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.

JeVrey Rudolph

The president and CEO of the California Science Center, who said the new center will 'stand as an enduring source of inspiration for generations of scientists, engineers, and explorers'.

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What they’re saying

“Through the development of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, the California Science Center is fulfilling a decades-long dream. This amazing project significantly expands our ability to accomplish our mission, to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning in everyone, on a scale and with an impact unlike anything in our history.”

— JeVrey Rudolph, President and CEO, California Science Center

What’s next

The California Science Center will announce an official opening date for the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center in the coming months, after the installation of historic artifacts and interactive exhibits is completed.

The takeaway

The new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center represents a major milestone for the California Science Center, allowing it to showcase humanity's achievements in aerospace on an unprecedented scale. The vertical display of the Space Shuttle Endeavour will be a one-of-a-kind experience that inspires the next generation of scientists, engineers, and space explorers.